Retinal migraine
Introduction
Retinal migraine (ocular migraine) isan eye condition thatcauses brief attacks ofblindness or visual problems like flashing lights in one eye.
These episodes can be frightening, but in most cases they're harmless and shortlived, and eyesight goes back to normal afterwards.
Some people get retinal migraineevery few months, although the frequency can vary.
Retinal migraineis a separate condition and shouldn't be confused with headache-type Migraine or migraine with aura, which usually affects the visionof both eyes.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 2 Aug 2016
Introduction
Read about a retinal migraine (ocular migraine), an eye condition that causes brief episodes of blindness or visual problems like flashing lights in one eye.
Symptoms of retinal migraine
The symptoms of retinal migraine may include: partial or total loss of vision in one eye this usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes before vision gradually returns headache this may happen before, durin
When to seek medical advice
If your eyesight suddenly deteriorates, make an emergency appointment to see anoptician trained to recognise eye abnormalities and signs of eye disease(optometrist),your GP, or call NHS 111 . Use our
Diagnosingretinal migraine
If you manage to see a GP or optometrist during an attack, they may be able to see the decreased bloodflow to your eye using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. In this case the GP or optometrist
Causes of retinal migraine
Retinal migraine is caused by the blood vessels to the eye suddenly narrowing (constricting), reducing the bloodflow to the eye. It may be triggered by : stress smoking high blood pressure ho
Treatment for retinal migraine
Treatment for retinal migraine usually just involves taking pain relief for any headaches and reducing exposure to anything that might be triggering the retinal migraine. Your doctor may sometimes pr
Possible complications of retinal migraine
There's a small risk that the reduced bloodflow may damagethethin layer at the back of the eye (the retina) and theblood vessels of the eye. This will be monitored in yourfollow-up appointments. Perma
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